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Traditional 401(k) contribution on your paycheck

Pre-tax retirement contribution. Reduces federal taxable income (not FICA).

A traditional 401(k) contribution is deducted from your paycheck before federal and state income tax. It does not reduce Social Security or Medicare wages. The 2025 elective deferral limit is $23,500 (plus $7,500 catch-up at age 50+, with an enhanced $11,250 catch-up for ages 60–63 under SECURE 2.0).

How it usually appears

Category: pre-tax

Tax interaction

  • Reduces federal taxable wages: Yes
  • Reduces FICA wages: No
  • Reduces state taxable wages: Usually yes

Official sources

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